Meaning & use

downright

adverb·Everyday

Used to emphasize that something is thorough or complete, especially something negative.

See it in a sentence

The service at that restaurant was downright rude from start to finish.

It would be downright foolish to invest all your savings in one stock.

A note on using this word

Downright is placed directly before an adjective to intensify it, as in downright dangerous or downright silly.

Words with a similar meaning

completelyutterly

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Complete and absolute, used to describe something plainly and without exaggeration.

Ignoring the warning signs was a downright mistake that cost the company millions.

Make it your own

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